SIR — I am extremely disappointed with the decision by the government to drastically reduce the feed-in tariff from 43p per unit of electricity to 21p on December 11.

Other more stringent conditions relating to the installation of photo voltaic panels for generating domestic green electricity are also being brought in at the same time.

It would have been far more sensible to make the changes in March 2012, not now. The rate for new entrants to the scheme was planned to be reduced in March 2012 in any case.

Why give only about six weeks' notice for this change when householders may have already planned to install PV. Small businesses have also geared up their operations to install panels at the higher rate of 43p per unit until March 2012.

Those of us interested in this scheme knew that it was under review. To give such short notice of this halving of the tariff just demonstrates how out of touch this government is with practicalities for small businesses on the ground.

It would rather pile billions into a nuclear power station, with all the risks associated with it, in our locality which will not be operational for over ten years, than invest in smaller "green" schemes which can be installed and provide more green power now.

What is our MP doing about this I wonder?

Those interested in green issues will know that the PV feed-in tariff scheme is very successful. At a stroke, this change will drastically reduce domestic green electricity installations, if not stop it altogether for new entrants from December 11.

Many small businesses supplying these installations have set themselves up to cope with the high demand, only to find they may have to lay off staff. I mistakenly thought that this government was on the side of small businesses.

We were told at election time that this Conservative-led coalition government was going to be the greenest ever government. How can we believe the promises from this government? They have reneged on so many promises.

If you are interested in sustainability issues you can join Forum 21, a sustainability organisation for West Somerset, by telephoning 01643 708 810 or emailing [email protected]">[email protected] - we are making a difference.

Joe Hull,

Energy Adviser,

Forum 21.